“The Draemornian we questioned had knowledge of a Caelestian being gifted by Blythe,” Duke Sinclair confirmed my fear.
My jaw went slack, and I shook my head in denial. I could feel the angst inside of me preparing to send my brain into a spiral. My vision started to blur as it always did when panic clouded my brain.
I turned to Sebastian, hoping he could offer me some reassurance, but he looked just as worried as I was. Actually…angry. He lookedangry.
“How?” he bellowed from behind me. He lunged towards his father's desk, placing his hands on the edge of it.
King Hawthorne sat completely unfazed, remaining calm and ignoring Sebastian. He peered around the side of him to speak to me. “We are unaware of who the traitor is, but we are diligently working to uncover the perpetrator. When the one responsible is discovered, the appropriate actions will be taken.”
Sawyer's father piped in, “At this time, we don’t believe that King Beaumont is aware of who the gifted individual is, just that there issomeone.”
Sebastian slammed a fist on the desk, blatantly pissed that they were ignoring him. “How did this happen?” he yelled in his father’s face, demanding an answer.
“You should be asking yourself that, son. You're the one responsible for her safety,” the king spat as he rose from his desk.
“I can't be here watching out for her and in Craterra making sure no one crosses the borders,” Sebastian growled back. He stood to his full height, giving himself a few inches on his father.
“That is not what I am asking you to do.”
“Well then what exactly are you asking? Do you want me to escort her to classes or to circulate the campus and assault anyone who speaks her name?”
“You seem awfully undone about this, soldier, especially for someone who was recently asking to be reassigned,” King Hawthorne sneered.
My jaw tightened, the muscles twitching as I ground my teeth against each other.Sebastian asked to be reassigned?His eyes glanced sideways at me, soft and offering me an unspoken apology.
“Gentlemen, please.” Lucan looked up from his scribbling to cut in. “Let's all calm down. There is no immediate threat at this very moment.”
“While we work on uncovering the traitor, extra measures will be taken to ensure your safety,” Duke Sinclair added. Directing his words towards Sebastian, he said, “I must remind you to be aware of her location at all times and within an appropriate distance from her in the event that a threat does become present. Be even more vigilant than you already are.”
“Of course, sir,” Sebastian agreed. He already did that, anyway.
The king glared at his son, his eyebrows furrowed in irritation. "Stand down.Now.” The words came out harsh, as if he were speaking to just another one of his soldiers and not to his offspring.
Sebastian hesitated, but followed his father’s order, returning to his place by the door and lounging against it with his arms crossed over his chest. My eyes drifted to the dagger he had openly sheathed against his thigh. I knew it wasn't the best time, but I couldn't help myself from staring.Hot.
Duke Sinclair cleared his throat. “Well then, that was all I had. I will let you know if and when I have more information. Have a good day.” He nodded goodbye and left the room.
“Have a good day?” I mumbled under my breath.Yeah right.
I shuffled in my chair, taking a deep breath—one less body in the cramped room made it easier to breathe. My gaze drifted to Professor Stoll, who had been a silent observer this whole time.
King Hawthorne caught a glimpse of my eyes on the professor. “It has also been brought to my attention that you are having difficulty wielding your powers?”
“Something tells me you already know the answer to that,” I replied, noting how Stoll nodded in agreement.
I’d been able to use my powers in small increments during class, but always ended up completely defeated by the end. I hadn't practiced outside of class since the crab incident, having made the decision then and there that I would only use my powers when training or when absolutely necessary.
“Considering the circumstances, Professor Stoll and I believe it would be wise to introduce extra wielding and combat training sessions. Should we need to utilize your power for any reason, it will be to everyone's benefit that you are better trained. These sessions will be one-on-one with Sebastian, and will take place every day until further notice.”
My mouth dropped open as I fell forward in my seat. “Every day?”
“That is what I said.”
“I understand the extra wielding sessions, but why combat?”
“May I remind you of the job Mr. Sinclair did to your face on the first day of training?”
“That's not fair. He would have beat any of us up. It was our first day!”
